NOIDA: The Central Groundwater Authority (CGWA) has urged the UP groundwater department to take action against real estate developers in Noida for alleged excessive groundwater extraction and wastage. This follows a complaint from an environmental activist.
In a letter to the state department, CGWA administrator VK Dhaundiyal emphasized that groundwater management in UP is regulated by the state, requesting intervention and a report on actions taken. The letter was accompanied by the complaints received by the authority.
Environmental activist Vikrant Tongad filed a complaint with the CGWA, UP government, and Noida Authority, highlighting significant groundwater extraction at construction sites in sectors 145 and 153. He reported that water pumped out during basement excavation was being funneled into sewage pipelines, contributing to the decline of the local water table.
“We continue to receive complaints from local villagers and social activists regarding hundreds of pumps at construction sites operating non-stop. Despite these complaints, there has been no effective action from Noida Authority or the groundwater department,” Tongad noted in his complaint.
This week, the state groundwater department instructed the Gautam Buddh Nagar district magistrate to address groundwater wastage in Greater Noida.
While acknowledging that dewatering is necessary for basement construction, Tongad advised that builders should limit excavation depth once they reach water aquifers rather than continuing to drain water. He pointed out that the National Green Tribunal has prohibited the use of groundwater for construction, requiring builders to utilize treated water from sewage treatment plants instead.
“We advocate for preventing groundwater wastage in construction, yet water continues to be pumped and drained. This is pure wastage and severely lowers the water table across the area,” he stated.
The Noida Authority did not respond to requests for comment.
